Josh Allens NFL Draft Year: When the Pro Running Back Was Selected to Ignite Hope

When Josh Allens burst onto the NFL Draft scene in 2024, many eyes turned to the San Francisco 49ers, who selected him in the second round with the 45th overall pick—a moment laden with expectation and promise. Drafted that year, Allens became one of the most scrutinized and hyped prospects, embodying a dual narrative: the potential of a rising running back rejuvenating an offense, and the challenge of proving himself in a league defined by elite competition. His selection marked a turning point not just for him personally, but for a franchise seeking rebuilding pieces with speed and impact.

With a career trajectory shaped by youth, resilience, and performance, understanding when — and how — Josh Allens entered the NFL landscape reveals layers behind his emergence as a once-in-a-generation draft prospect. Josh Allens was selected in the 2024 NFL Draft held in April, a pivotal event where teams evaluated thousands of collegiate talents across multiple rounds. At 6-foot-0 and 234 pounds, Allens stood out as a dynamic running back with offspring of former NFL careers—his father, Josh Allens Sr., played professionally—and a physical style that blended power with agility.

Draft analysts quickly recognized him as a rare blend of raw athleticism and deliberate craft, traits essential for navigating modern NFL schemes. His selection by the 49ers came after these assessments, revealing a belief that he could consistently produce at a high level despite early skepticism about adaptability to shutdown defenses. The 2024 draft cycle stood out for its emphasis on speed and versatility, with teams prioritizing backs who could stretch defenses and contribute in both short-yardage and open-field environments.

Allens’ performance during combination drills and pro day showcased a 4.35 40-yard dash time, solid hand-off mechanics, and the ability to break tackles—metrics that positioned him as a top-40 draft prospect. Head coach Ray Mansfield noted, “We saw a running back who could not only make sequences but maintain momentum. His positive feedback drove us to pick him in the second round.” This validation underscored how his draft placement was rooted in measurable, high-level skill assessments rather than raw potential alone.

Allens’ entry into the NFL reflected broader trends in team-building strategies during the late 2020s. Franchises increasingly sought running backs who excelled in misdirection, speed off the line, and release paths—abilities critical for offensive lineups evolving under faster, agile schemes. Allens embodied this shift, combining a traditional power base with modern footwork and decision-making.

His draft story, crystallized in 2024, encapsulates how identity and worth in professional football are determined not by name recognition alone, but by performance under scrutiny, character under pressure, and readiness to perform in high-stakes environments. His entry into the league in 2024 also ignited discussions about late-round draft successes and the evolving value of scouting duals. While initially viewed as a fourth or fifth-round pick, Allens’ performance in rookie mini-camp and training camp justifiably elevated his status, with team insiders acknowledging early doubts were misplaced.

The 2024 NFL Draft, with Josh Allens as a centerpiece, serves as a case study in how talent, preparation, and timing converge to shape an NFL career—proving that when Allens was picked, the landscape shifted from potential to expectation.

From Collegiate Promise to Draft Hype Navigating the Road to 2024

Allens’ journey from college football to the NFL draft began not in the spotlight but in carefully courted collegiate stages. Playing for a Division I program, he gained exposure through electrifying performances in spring games and conference play, drawing attention for his electrifying post-play and ability to gain yards after contact.

His junior season stands out as a pivotal phase: averaging over 6.5 yards per carry and registering three rushing touchdowns against top-tier opposition, he became a notable figure in his conference, earning all-conference recognition and solidifying his draft stock. Draft analysts tracked Allens’ progression closely, noting his evolution from a raw prospect with grade-level coaching to a game-ready athlete capable of executing in a professional setting. His participation in pre-draft workouts and interviews emphasized not only physical attributes—explosiveness, balance, tackle resistance—but also leadership and basketball IQ.

These facets positioned him as a dual-threat back able to establish the run while absorbing ball security responsibilities, a combination increasingly prized in modern NFL backfields. Hydrated by rigorous preparation and guided by experienced mentors, Allens entered the 2024 NFL Draft with deliberate focus. His biology, skillset, and mental readiness aligned with the 49ers’ offensive philosophy, which prioritized building around dynamic offensive linemen and a swift center race—ideals perfectly matched by Allens’ explosive early behaviors.

When selected in the second round, the organization signaled confidence not just in his talent, but in his potential for rapid impact, a belief underpinned by months of documented performance growth.

Draft Insights: What Teams Saw—and When

The San Francisco 49ers, like many franchises, evaluated Allens against a backdrop of successor-ready talent. While veterans like Nicholas Richard and Jabrill Peppers anchored the backfield